Senators bid farewell to Cochran, the 'Quiet Persuader'

On Wednesday, Gov. Phil Bryant appointed the first female U.S. senator from Mississippi, state Agriculture Commissioner Cindy Hyde-Smith, to fill the seat vacated by Sen. Thad Cochran.
Geoff Pender/Clarion Ledger

WASHINGTON — One by one senators bid Mississippi Sen. Thad Cochran farewell Thursday, saluting his decades of service in Congress and praising his tireless work on behalf of Mississippi.

“When his issues were on the line, Sen. Cochran fought for Mississippi as hard as any senator,’’ said Democratic leader Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York.

Cochran, citing health reasons, announced earlier this month that he will retire April 1.

The 80-year-old is the 10th longest-serving senator in U.S. history. He was first elected to the Senate in 1978 becoming the first Republican in more than 100 years to win a statewide election in Mississippi. Cochran also served three terms in the House of Representatives.

"I leave the Senate with confidence that our enduring Constitution guards our country from human error, empowers our citizens to achieve greatness, and shines as a beacon of freedom and liberty for the world,'' said Cochran, as he stood and delivered brief remarks. "I am optimistic about the future of our great nation, and in the United States Senate’s role in determining that future."

For more than one hour, senators praised Cochran for being a passionate champion for his state. They called him a Southern gentleman, an effective leader and a role model for what a senator should be.

"Every single one of us has been treated to a first-rate example of honorable service — a master class in the art of legislation and living proof that unwavering principle and unflappable collegiality can and should co-exist," said Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.

Cochran, chairman of the powerful Appropriations Committee, is best known for his low-key, old-school style and his willingness to work across the aisle to reach a compromise. He was nicknamed the “Quiet Persuader’’ for working behind closed doors to make things happen.

Cochran, who once chaired the Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee in 2003 and 2004, helped write the 2002 and 2014 farm bills.

Sen. Patrick Leahy, a Democrat from Vermont, worked closely with Cochran on the farm bill and other measures.

"I've never felt closer to a senator than I do to Thad Cochran, my dear friend,'' said Leahy, the longest-serving senator. "Our country needs more public servants like Thad. As Congress has become more partisan in recent years, Thad has stood by his values. He brings substance not sound bites in the upper chamber.''

There was a hush over the chamber as Leahy and other senators praised Cochran calling him a champion for issues, including agriculture, defense, education, rural concerns and civil rights.

Cochran's staff filled the upper area of the Senate gallery, including his longtime personal secretary Doris Wagley, who has been with him for 45 years. Several staffers wiped away tears.

Wagley called it a privilege to watch Cochran work over the years.

"He raised the bar in every way,'' said Wagley, who also plans to retire.

On the Senate floor, Cochran, who was dressed in a black striped suit and red tie, sat with his fingers locked and listened as his colleagues described long-time friendships.

"We're all grateful for all he's done,'' said Republican Sen. Roger Wicker, the junior senator from Mississippi. "It's a poignant moment for me.''

Republican Sen. Richard Shelby, who represents neighboring Alabama, said he's worked with Cochran on a host of regional issues, including disaster aid.

"He's been an excellent colleague,'' said Shelby, who is in line next to chair the Appropriations Committee. "He served Mississippi with the utmost dignity and respect ... He hasn't forgotten where he's from.''

Cochran wasn’t much for being in the limelight. He didn’t hold lots of press conferences or appear on many talk shows. Still, his colleagues said he was influential.

“I’ve always benefited from listening,’’ Cochran said Thursday after slowly rising to speak. “I don’t speak often on the floor of the Senate.’’

Hours before the salute, Thursday's congressional leaders released the omnibus spending package. Cochran's committee played a key role in crafting the measure. He said when he announced his retirement that he wanted to see this measure through.

Schumer said once Congress approves the spending bill it will be a "fitting legacy'' to Cochran and "another bipartisan accomplishment under his belt.''

Before the practice was banned in 2010, Cochran had a long history of steering federal money for special projects, or earmarks, to Mississippi, one of the nation's poorest states.

After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Cochran helped secured billions in federal funds for recovery efforts in the Gulf Coast. He has also pushed for more federal funding for historically black colleges and universities (Mississippi is home to several HBCUs) and contracts for shipbuilding, a major industry in his state.

Cochran also worked with Democrats to push for aid after Superstorm Sandy in 2012.

Schumer, a Democrat from New York, said the two have had their differences, but he appreciated when Cochran supported legislation to provide relief aid after Superstorm Sandy devastated the Northeast.

Many other Republicans opposed it.

"I'll never forget that,'' Schumer said.

Off the Senate floor, senators continued to talk about Cochran.

Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., was asked if Republicans addressed a timeline for the spending bill during a Republican lunch. He said they did not.

When asked what they talked about instead, Scott responded, “Thad Cochran, mostly.”

Cochran has been in failing health and hasn't been as visible on Capitol Hill in recent months. He missed a series of votes last fall because of illness. He returned, however, for a crucial vote on the tax bill.

This week marks the end of Cochran's long career in Congress. The Senate will recess Friday for two weeks. Cochran's staff has 60 days to close the office.

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant, who called Cochran one of the state's greatest public servants, appointed Cindy Hyde-Smith Wednesday to replace Cochran. Hyde-Smith, the state’s agriculture and commerce commissioner, is expected to run in the special election in November to determine who serves the remaining two years of Cochran's term.

McConnell said Cochran has left his mark and it will be difficult to imagine the Senate without him.

"We will miss our Quiet Persuader,'' he said.

Following the salute, a line of senators — from retiring Republican Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake to newcomer Alabama Democrat Doug Jones — came over to shake hands with Cochran.